Community Voices Concerns Over Proposed Green Belt Development in North Somerset Local Plan
Portishead residents and environmental advocates gathered on Tuesday 4 March, for a live discussion on the North Somerset Local Plan, which will shape the town's development for the next 15 years. A major topic of concern was the proposed development on the Green Belt near Weston Big Wood, a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and an ancient woodland dating back to the Ice Age.
The discussion featured special guests, including renowned conservationist Chris Sperring MBE, Cllr Peter Burden, Cllr Paul Gardner, and Paul Churchill, who provided expert insights into the environmental and planning implications of the proposal.
Key Concerns Raised
The webinar highlighted several crucial issues surrounding the proposed development:
- Environmental Value and Protection: The land surrounding Weston Big Wood is high-value Green Belt and should be protected under Central Government planning policies.
- Ancient Woodland and Biodiversity: As a designated SSSI, Weston Big Wood hosts rare flora and fauna. National Planning Policy protects such areas from development, and experts emphasised the need to extend these protections beyond the woodland itself. Wildlife requires a substantial buffer zone and corridor to survive.
- Ongoing Ecological Decline: Studies over the past 40 years indicate significant biodiversity loss in the woodland and surrounding areas. Further development would exacerbate this decline.
- National Strategic Importance: Weston Big Wood is part of the broader Gordano Valley Nature Reserve, which stretches from the Severn Estuary to the Mendips. Any degradation in this area would negatively impact the wider ecosystem.
- Planning Policy and Biodiversity Net Gains: The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) mandates that developments must "minimise impacts and provide net gains for biodiversity." The area around Weston Big Wood presents an opportunity for biodiversity net gains to reverse environmental degradation.
- Flooding Risks: Flooding is already a major concern along Clevedon Road and Bristol Road. Additional development in the area could worsen existing flood risks.
- Historical Planning Rejections: This Green Belt land was previously denied planning consent by the Secretary of State in the late 1980s. Development would result in irreplaceable biodiversity loss, including bat colonies and other rare species.
Residents are urged to participate in the consultation process and share their views on the proposed development. To complete the official survey and provide feedback, visit:
The community is encouraged to act now to protect this vital natural habitat for future generations.
Posted: Fri, 7 Mar 2025